The Minnesota Vikings are looking to secure a win on the road against the Detroit Lions in Week 13, but early on in the matchup the offense suffered a significant loss. After hauling in a catch, star wide receiver Adam Thielen appeared to roll his ankle while being tackled.
David J. Chao, the ProFootballDoc, suggested that upon initial review, the injury looked like it could have been a high ankle sprain, similar, or worse, to what Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has been battling of late.
Thielen left the game after the injury and was not on the field for the Vikings' next drive. He was seen on the sideline, however, but wasn't able to line up.
At halftime of the game, the Vikings announced via Twitter that Thielen would not return to the contest.
The injury occurred on Thielen's first target of the game, and the struggling offense will now have to make things work with their star receiver on the sideline against a Lions team that seems to have found its stride after 11 weeks of disappointment.
Thielen is one of the best wideouts in football and is a crucial part of Minnesota's offensive game plan. On the year, Thielen has hauled in 63 receptions for 686 yards and 10 touchdowns, en route to what could be his third Pro Bowl campaign. A win in Week 13 is crucial for the Vikings' playoff dreams, so hopefully this ankle injury won't sideline for more than just this game.